I AM a great fan of marking ‘significant’ ages in a positive way, to celebrate being alive and, thankfully, being healthy. This year I am turning 50 and rather than throwing a big party I’ve decided to celebrate in a way that benefits other people.

So throughout 2018 I will be completing ‘Challenge 50’ - 50 different challenges on 50 different days to raise £10,000 for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, the most incredible charity that supports more than 2,300 families with a seriously ill child in England.

This February, to tie in with Valentine’s Day, my challenge is to encourage the public to join me in a small act of kindness by donating the cost of a Valentine’s bunch of flowers or box of chocolates to Rainbow Trust. Hence this letter. Just £10 could pay for a sensory toy to help Rainbow Trust Family Support Workers entertain a seriously ill child with special needs, giving their parents a much-needed break.

To make a donation please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ZillahBingley because small gestures of kindness really make a huge difference to families caring for a child with a life-threatening condition.

Zillah Bingley

Chief Executive

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity

Leatherhead